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With Frank Gore set to turn 30 in May, the 49ers are at least exploring the possibility of drafting his potential heir apparent in April.

According to a league source, the Niners have shown “considerable interest” in Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound bruiser who led Division I in carries (382) and ranked fifth in rushing yards (1,793) last year. According to STATS, Bell led the nation in yards after contact (922).

The 49ers were among seven teams to meet with Bell at the NFL combine in late February. At Michigan State’s pro day on March 13, a 49ers representative met with Bell after the workouts for a private film-study session.

Bell, who is projected as a second- to fourth-round pick, has been clocked in the 4.5s in the 40-yard dash. He is scheduled to have pre-draft visits with the Cowboys and Jets.

A running back would not appear to be a pressing need for the 49ers, who drafted LaMichael James in the second round last year and used a fourth-round pick on Kendall Hunter in 2011. In addition, Gore showed no signs of slowing in 2012: He ranked 10th in rushing yards (1,214) and averaged 4.7 yards per carry, his second-highest total since 2007.

Still, Gore ranks third among active players in rushing attempts (1,911) and the careers of productive NFL running backs often nosedive in their 30s. Hunter also sustained a torn Achilles in late November.

Neither Hunter (5-7, 199) nor James (5-9, 195) are classic power-running backs and the 49ers are fond of smash-mouth running, which can include Jumbo formations with seven offensive linemen. Last year, the 49ers investigated a running back similar to Bell in Utah State’s Robert Turbin (5-10, 222), who visited Santa Clara before the draft. The Seahawks selected Turbin in the fourth round.

This year, the 49ers have 14 draft picks, including seven in the first four rounds.